[A/N: Going to move these three Harrenhal chapters at a faster pace so we can get to the Wedding before the Rotation ends so bear with me. We're going for an interesting plotline and the reveal this chapter will add more spice to the drama.]
(Baelon's POV)
"What did you and Trevor discuss?" Daemon leaned towards me and whispered, "You pulled him aside right after Rhaenyra arrived."
We were sitting at the table as the great feast occurred, loud music was being played and the sound of the Lords of the Realm conversing among each other was prominent. Whatever Daemon and I discussed was not going to be overheard unless someone actually paid attention.
"I wanted to feel him out." I said as I drank wine from my cup, "To see what his standing was in this entire thing. Lord Corlys apparently held the 'debt' over him to keep him away from Rhaenyra. Something doesn't seem right."
"Corlys is lucky." Daemon said, "Any other Lord would have been sent to the wall. He's fortunate that I am married to his daughter and he is married to the King's favorite cousin and well....the only living cousin he has."
"That could not be further from the truth." I said
"And?" Daemon said, "What did you get from him?"
I sighed, "Nothing." I said, "And that's what bothers me. He showed no reaction when I asked him calmly about the situation. It seems he does not know."
"I do not like this." Daemon said, "All of this....scheming.....the fact I am not part of it makes me uneasy."
"Oh trust me, I know that." I said, "Then, if it bothers you so much, why don't we start a scheme of our own?"
"Whatever you have in mind, we should wait." He said
I looked at him, "That is surprising, Uncle."
"I know." He said with a smirk, "I suggest you wait until after you get married. And right now, keep caution."
"You are right." I said, "It's better if I wait. I do have a plan in mind. After I make sure that all my suspicions are confirmed."
"Good." He said, "How about that anticlimactic announcement my brother made, eh?"
"Aegon's marriage to the Blackwood girl? Yea, what a bore." I chuckled before sipping some more wine
"Well, the two of you are close in age. It's natural for you two to marry." He told me, "And with your Wedding around the corner, it's best to use that momentum to announce another official one."
I nodded, "You are right."
I glanced to my side, seeing on a table on the other side of the hall, Rhaenyra was throwing glances my way. Next to her, Trevor was merely smiling at his boys who were eating and drinking. There was a bit of seriousness in Rhaenyra's face. I caught something in her eyes when I spoke to Trevor a few hours ago. I didn't think much of it but I was sure that she looked like she wanted to speak about some things.
There was still that whole ordeal about her leaving Dragonstone that we had not discussed. And I wish to talk to her alone but knowing how things are, it is best if we keep our distance from each other. If we are to interact, it is best to do with with other people, not alone.
An internal conflict was brewing, political bullshit I tell you. Daemon had already informed me of the issue but I still did not like dealing with things like this.
Most of the Lords were avoiding me like the plague, I believe they had mixed feelings of how I handled Skagos. I do not understand why, though. Half of them were the ones who went to cry to me at King's Landing, begging me to deal with it.
And I did.
If they're going to act like a bunch of spoiled babes, they should not bother me at all from now on.
I looked around the hall, seeing the tables that were filled with nothing but Lords and Ladies. I saw hundreds of Knights as well, sitting and eating as the music played. I then looked over to my Father's table, who was speaking with Lord Lyonel Strong. The Lord of Harrenhal was sitting next to him as Otto sat on his other side. On another table, Mother sat with Helaena next to her. Aemond and Daeron also sat with them, eating and drinking as well.
I looked at the Velaryon table, Lord Corlys occasionally giving me sour glances. Even his brother and nephews were also looking at me with some distaste. Aunt Rhaenys did not pay much attention to this but if she had, she would probably tell them to quit it.
I then thought of something, something that immediately bothered me.
"Uncle." I said
He looked at me, "Yes?"
"Isn't it convenient that we, the Royal Family, do not have our dragons....?" I asked, "While your wife's house does?"
He looked at me with a confused look before processing what I meant.
"Well shit...." He said, "Your Father said it was to put the people at ease, both Balerion and Vhagar will intimidate them, especially after Skagos."
"And who suggested it?" I asked, "I know Father doesn't really pay attention to things like those."
"Lord.....Strong...." He said before looking over at Father's table, "That slimy fuck."
I narrowed my eyes, "Isn't that very convenient...."
I then looked over at a different table, where Lord Strong's family sat. I saw Larys, his younger son sitting down and drinking what looked like tea as Ser Harwin was looking directly at me, a serious expression on his face. I also noticed a much older man, with white hair and beard, glancing nervously at our table.
"Hm...." I said, "Danger lurks around, hm?"
"To invite a dragon to their doorstep, unarmed, just to harm them....?" Daemon said, "A sin against the gods, Nephew."
"But something that could happen, Uncle." I said seriously, "Stay on guard. I can count on you, right?"
"Of course." He nodded
***********
Later that night, I was walking towards my room after I went to check on Helaena. Mother was going to sleep in her room that night, just in case, and Ser Criston and Ser Erryk were going to stand guard with a couple of guards stationed in the hallway.
I was not going to have any guards in my section, which I found terribly convenient. But it's fine, Uncle and I had spoken about this thoroughly and any circumstance had been accounted for. Whatever could happen will be dealt with and I hope it doesn't come to that.
But some part of me wants someone to try their luck, and see if they could do something.
I reached my door and opened it, walking inside and making my way to the bed.
I stopped when I noticed something out of place, the fireplace was not lit. Which was strange, because I was sure that it was lit before I went to check on Helaena.
I walked over to it, seeing that there was a bit of smoke coming from the burnt firewood.
"The hell?" I said standing there
I then noticed a folded paper atop it, underneath a small metal object.
I reached for it and picked it up, along with the paper. I saw that the circular object looked like some sort of badge, with House Strong's Sigil painted on it.
I opened the paper and saw that it was a note.
It read:
"They plan to eliminate you to get to your Sisters. Their plan is to obtain a child with Targaryen blood who could claim the Black Dread. Be cautious, trust nobody in this accursed Castle."
I narrowed my eyes, "I see...."
"That's what this is about."